Carwash magic in Makana
“I’m very proud of my mother” quipped Brakaas. “And I’m proud of my son too!” Those were the words of Brakaas Daniels and his mom, Catherine ‘Ma’ Daniels, coowners of Bra ‘Sbali Carwash on the corner of Jarvis St and Orsmond Terrace in the original industrial area of Grahamstown. This mother and son team started Bra ‘ Sbali’s in January 2012 and their success is a lesson on growing a successful enterprise with very little capital and a whole lot of dedication.
Despite being cautioned about venturing into an “informal” trading area (no idea what that means, as trade is universal and timeless) I wasn’t in the least bit worried – although at first, Bra ‘Sbali’s staff seemed a little uneasy with me. I probably looked more like an inspector than a customer. But a few minutes later, Ma Catherine and I were all smiles, swopping stories of business challenges. There was a sparkle in this grandmother’s eyes, full of good energies.
Entrepreneurs seem to share a bond which transcends many of the things people use to divide and rule us.
I left my vehicle, contents and keys for Bra ‘Sbali’s full service – wash, buff and valet. Two hours later, I returned to a car looking better than brand new – even the tyres were polished with the good stuff. The price was more than reasonable. I insisted on paying more because I thought the service quality warranted it.
Bra ‘Sbali’s provides full time work to seven energetic staff members. Ma Catherine insists on providing a good square meal at lunchtime and if the staff work late, ensures they have extra food to take home. Clothing is also provided.
The operation is slick. Llewellyn, who has a heavyduty licence parks the vehicles and Michelle the administrator keeps the admin ticking. On weekends, Bra ‘Sbali Carwash provides braai facilities so customers can enjoy bringing family along while having their cars cleaned.
With research showing a typical South African breadwinner supports nine dependents, this means the Daniels’ mother and son team are connected to the well-being of 70 people – precisely the kind of entrepreneurial business South Africa so desperately needs to lift folk out of poverty and destitution, They open doors at 7am and often work 12-hour days, seven days a week. On busy days, some 45 vehicles pass through this hive of activity.
And how was Bra ‘ Sbali’s Carwash conceived? Ma Catherine explained she needed to earn income after the death of her late husband. She was also concerned about the un-